[Faithful to each other] + [Long in the making] + [Older woman-younger man romance]
After three years of marriage, the top scholar's wife is still untouched. She dons armor and wins back the three northern frontier provinces, only to return and find her husband with his mistress's son, asking her to take the boy in and raise him as her own. She goes to the palace to request a divorce, unaware that the person on the throne has long kept the empress's seat empty for her.
Liang Chengbo says, “Ruoxi, there's no one left in the marquis's estate. From now on, you're an orphan with no one to rely on but me. I'm the only one you can count on, so be sensible and get the betrothal money and gifts ready.”
Liang Chengbo also says, “I did like you once, but it wasn't until I met Qingyao that I learned what love is. Can a person like many people in a lifetime? Yes, but they can only love one. I gave my love to Qingyao, and I can never give it to you.”
Lu Ruoxi has no interest in such an insubstantial thing anyway.
After the divorce, she opens a school for girls and trains female soldiers. Her life is more delightful than ever.
The noble families of the capital all come knocking to ask for her hand, and the aloof emperor can no longer sit still in the palace.
One day, the emperor is drugged. Deciding to use the situation to his advantage, he fights through the effects and rushes to Lu Ruoxi's chambers in the Duke's residence for help.
“Senior Sister, save me.”
Before Lu Ruoxi can answer, he seals her lips with his.
But even after he's had his way with her, his senior sister still refuses to take responsibility. Murong Jiuxiao sobs.
One day, Liang Chengbo waits outside the Duke's residence until he finally sees her. He drops to his knees. “Ruoxi, I was wrong before. For the sake of our marriage, please forgive me just this once. From now on, I'll be faithful to you alone. We'll be together for the rest of our lives.”
Murong Jiuxiao says, “Sorry, my empress isn't interested. Having me is all she needs.”
